Maurice

By: E. M. Forster

Narrated by: Peter Firth

Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

'Ah for darkness...not the darkness of a house which coops up a man among furniture, but the darkness where he can be free!'

Maurice Hall knows he must choose between living life in the shadows or denying himself a chance at love and fulfilment. Aware of his attraction to the same sex, in a time where it was considered unlawful and immoral to have homosexual desires, Maurice must decide whether to battle or submit to a prejudiced 20th-century English society.

A passionate and poignant tale, E.M. Forster's Maurice was a masterpiece ahead of its time. Incapable of believing that his contemporaries would accept its content, Forster refused to publish it, fearing that it would expose his sexuality along with his hero's.

Having witnessed, at 16, the very public trial and chastisement of Oscar Wilde, Forster grew up with an acute awareness of the kind of society he inhabited. This affected him immensely and, as such, he refused to publish any further fiction during the last 37 years of his life. Despite being one of the most celebrated authors of British history, Forster's talents were as constrained as his love life. Realising that he could never publically talk or write about the issues he held close to his heart, Forster made A Passage to India his last work.

He wasn't mistaken about his society, and when Maurice was published, posthumously, many were scandalised by the controversial content.

Unfortunately, Forster never experienced the freedom which his protagonist seeks, but Maurice has far outlived an age of bigotry and is now widely celebrated and critically acclaimed.

Narrator Biography

Having started his career as a leading child actor, Peter Firth received a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Peter Shaffer's play Equus (1973) at only 21. He later starred with Richard Burton in its film adaption, earning him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination. His other film work has included roles in Pearl Harbor (2001) and The Greatest Game Ever Played (2005).

He is best known for his role as Sir Harry Pearce in the BBC show Spooks (2002-2011), appearing in every episode of the show's 10 series. Recent roles have included Jacob Marley in the BBC's Dickensian series (2015) and Ernest Augustus in ITV's drama series Victoria (2016).

He has narrated several audiobooks such as Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Birdsong and Witness. In 2015, Peter starred in Audible's multicast drama Amok.

©2010 E.M. Forster (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Riveting!

Loved it! The narrator is of course, exceptional. I completed the story in one day.

My new favorite book

This novel is perhaps one of the most moving, romantic and emotional pieces of literature that I have read. I might venture to say this is the gay "Jane Eyre"; it is everything I was expecting and more. As a gay man, this novel perfectly captures the feelings and emotions that accompany love in a society that rejects homosexuality, and vividly depicts what it is like to try and live a double life with the longing for what everyone else has– intimacy. The novel is a superb and elegant illustration of romance, love, heartbreak, betrayal and loyalty. Truly one of the best novels in queer literature– a quintessential masterpiece!

I really wanted to like it more but...

It was so boring. I could not get into it. I don't know if it was the writing or the narrator. I would drift off and forget who characters were, which didn't help matters. Everyone was so unremarkable. The titular character in particular was especially boring and average, which I get was part of the point, but still left a bit to be desired.

My atoms are different now

Listen if u like the feeling of free falling with a fist around ur aching heart.

“Maurice did not know that they had thus spent it perfectly — he was too young to detect the triviality of contact for contact's sake. Though restrained by his friend, he would have surfeited passion. Later on, when his love took second strength, he realized how well Fate had served him. The one embrace in the darkness, the one long day in the light and the wind, were twin columns, each useless without the other. And all the agony of separation that he went through now, instead of destroying, was to fulfil.”
My molecules are now in the shape of 🥹

A Classic Love Story [+ Warning: SPOILER ALERT!]

In the wake of the recent overturn of DOMA and Prop 8, I occasionally came across articles and social media posts referencing one of E.M. Forster’s lesser-known classics, Maurice. Having never read or listened to it before I thought this was an appropriate time to pick it up.

Due to the fact that that homosexuality was illegal in England for much of Forster’s life – and that Forster himself was a closeted gay man – the author requested that the novel not be published until his death. But the themes and subject matter may be the least shocking thing about Maurice (especially to contemporary ears). And indeed, as is often noted by Maurice’s first love, Clive Durham, the Greeks wrote about homosexual love quite rapturously. No, the most intriguing thing about Maurice – and here is the spoiler alert – is that this story has a happy ending. One is so prepared to expect tragedy from such a premise. But the fact that Forster could imagine two men finding happiness, if not societal acceptance, in pre-WW1 Britain, was remarkably forward thinking for his time. However the two men have to literally disappear into the ether, and the story ends that way - with a true vanishing - giving one the sense that Forster was unable to conjure up a viable realistic circumstance in which a relationship such as this could flourish. But he writes with such exhilaration for a possible future that Maurice ultimately serves as a hopeful and wonderful last testament from the grave.

Peter Firth’s reading is elegant, and perfectly captures the various levels of social strata through which Maurice travels, lending credence to the impossibility of the situation that a modern reader might struggle to grasp otherwise. He illuminates the desperation and anxiety with which Maurice faces his predicament and his clarity of tone helps the listener hear and feel the story beneath some of the heavier, more intellectual monologues that Forster peppers throughout. This definitely falls into my list of classics that are better heard than read.

A Classic Comes To Life

Normally, I shy away from the classics on audio since many of those who read them are boring. Peter Firth brought this book to life for me and I would highly recommend it to anyone. If you loved the movie, you will thoroughly enjoy the audio book.

I love it

If you could sum up Maurice in three words, what would they be?

What a wonderful story. EM Forster!!

What did you like best about this story?

The deepth of feeling and description of what the character is thinking and feeling.
I have read this book so many times I cannot count.

What does Peter Firth bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Fabulous. The characters are brought to life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I love it. It make me cry every time.

Any additional comments?

Buy it - keep it. Consider referring to this story for relationship advice. It's wonderful!

beautiful

amazing story, I've been wanting to hear this story for awhile I'm glad i did.

Homosexuality while still criminal in Britain

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, much like recent movie The Imitation Game, a heartbreaking look into homosexuality when still criminalized. Also a beautiful coming of age story in it's own right with a character who is flawed but interesting and you get to know him bit by bit as he gets to know himself. Excellent length and pacing. Terrific narration. Can't miss.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Maurice?

When he is in his final despair: heartbreaking. His final decision: hopeful and poignant.

What about Peter Firth’s performance did you like?

Smooth, English, not too "Oxbridge" tones for Forster's gentle touch.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Again, a heartbreaking study.

Any additional comments?

THEN watch the beautiful movie.

Country Bookworm is a moron.

To be honest, someone who doesn't understand the text, will find it boring. So, perhaps before you review literature, you should start with The Further Adventures of Corky the Cat, once you understand that, continue with elementary school prose.